34 2026 ROUTE 66 TRAVEL GUIDE
ARIZONA The Mother Road’ s Greatest Treasure
385 miles
IF ROUTE 66 HAD A CAPITAL, it might be Arizona. More than any other state, Arizona preserves the atmosphere, scenery, and spirit that travelers imagine
when they dream about the Mother Road. Stretching nearly 400 miles from New Mexico to California, Arizona connects a remarkable collection of historic towns, roadside attractions, diners, motels, and trading posts that continue to welcome travelers nearly a century after the highway was established.
The state’ s Route 66 journey is remarkably diverse. Travelers cross the Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest, pass through high-desert grasslands and pine forests near Flagstaff, roll through volcanic landscapes around Williams, and eventually descend into the rugged mountains and desert terrain of western Arizona. Few Route 66 states offer such a dramatic variety of scenery within a single stretch of highway.
Arizona also played a pivotal role in preserving Route 66 itself. When Interstate 40 bypassed communities across the state in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many feared the Mother Road would disappear forever. In Seligman, barber Angel Delgadillo refused to let that happen. You can read more about Delgadillo’ s efforts on page 50. Today, Seligman remains one of the most authentic Route 66 destinations anywhere, packed with vintage signs, classic cars, quirky gift shops, and reminders of the highway’ s golden age.
The state is filled with legendary stops. Holbrook’ s Wigwam Motel invites travelers to spend the night in a concrete“ tipi.” Winslow draws visitors eager to stand on the corner made famous by the Eagles’ song“ Take It Easy.” The Hackberry General Store overflows with Route 66 memorabilia, while Kingman serves as a major hub for exploring the highway’ s history. Farther west, Oatman offers one of the most unique experiences on the route, where descendants of miners’ burros still roam the streets of the old mining town.
Arizona is also home to one of the most thrilling sections of the entire Mother Road. The historic Oatman Highway climbs through the Black Mountains and over Sitgreaves Pass, a twisting ribbon of pavement filled with sharp curves, steep grades, and spectacular desert views. It remains one of the most memorable drives on Route 66. You can read more about this section of highway on page 41.
For many travelers, Arizona represents the Route 66 they’ ve been picturing all along. If any state captures the western magic of the Mother Road, it’ s Arizona.